CARE

On a national level, the opioid epidemic has led to the deaths of several hundred thousand lives. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), on average a 174 Americans die every day from an opioid overdose. The circumstances of the epidemic have only gotten worse due to the emergence of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, being mixed with other substances without the user's knowledge. Small amounts of these synthetic opioids can be fatal, especially to unknowing individuals.

Traditional approaches to combating this epidemic, such as continuously arresting individuals that have shown signs of opioid addiction, have proven to be ineffective in the long run. The Village of Arlington Heights and community organizations, tailored towards opioid recovery, have partnered to combat this epidemic in the Arlington Heights community. Community Addiction and Recovery Effort (CARE) is the byproduct of this partnership and focuses on the long-term health of the individual battling opioid use disorder and/or addiction.

Eligible participants that believe they have an opioid use disorder and/or addiction voluntarily contact one of the entry points either through a phone call or an in-person visit. When contacting an entry point, the individual mentions that they are interested in entering CARE. At that time the individual either schedules a meeting with a CARE representative, is transported to a CARE representative, or a CARE representative meets them to do an initial screening and assessment at no cost for the individual. All CARE representatives are trained professionals and are either affiliated with Linden Oaks at Northwest Community Hospital, Live4Lali, Omni Youth Services, Addiction Policy Forum, or the Village of Arlington Heights Health & Human Services.

After the screening and assessment, the CARE representative will identify available treatment options based on the individual's needs. If cost is a barrier to one of the identified treatment options, please contact the Village of Arlington Heights Social Services Division and ask about the counselling subsidy program at (847) 368-5792.

Eligibility

Residency in Arlington Heights

If under 18 years old, the individual must have consent of a parent of legal guardian

Participation is voluntary

CARE Entry Points

Available by phone call only:Linden Oaks at Northwest Community Hospital(847) HEALING (432-5464)